Actor Joo Ji Hoon recently opened up about his childhood struggles, sharing touching memories of his family’s hardships and simple joys.

On the March 12th episode of tvN’s You Quiz on the Block (Episode 284), Joo Ji Hoon appeared as a guest alongside 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games gold medalist Kim Chae Yeon and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call author Lee Nak Joon. During the show, he got real about his past and the experiences that shaped him.

Joo Ji Hoon revealed that his mother started studying later in life and would wake up at 4 a.m. every day. Despite her busy schedule, she still took care of the family.

He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Every morning, she made fresh rice, fresh side dishes, and did all the housework.”

Talking about his childhood, he shared, “I didn’t grow up wealthy. We lived in a tiny single-room house inside a dried seafood market. It was cramped, had poor insulation, and we had to boil water on a coal briquette stove just to wash."

He added, "But honestly, none of that mattered. When it rained, my mom would make pancakes, and that memory is one of the happiest for me.”

He also spoke about his father’s job, saying, “My dad worked in construction. Most families have a set vacation time, but for us, monsoon season was our break because he could only work when the sun was out. But I actually liked that better."

He added, "Even now, I love swimming in the rain. I used to run around in the fields where my mom worked all day, and that’s probably why I’m this tanned.”

Meanwhile, You Quiz on the Block continues to be a hit variety show where Yoo Jae Suk and Jo Se Ho meet guests from all walks of life, sharing heartfelt stories. The show airs every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. KST.

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Former AOA member Kwon Min Ah—who opened up in the past about being bullied—has once again shared a deep and emotional message on social media, leaving fans feeling concerned and sending love.

On April 23, Min Ah took to her Instagram to write:
“I don’t know if I’ve become completely twisted, or if I’m just scared. Maybe I’m afraid the same thing will happen again. Everything feels scary. And I want to say something sharp to myself too—get it together.”

Along with the message, she posted a selfie where she wore a red knit top, had her hair half-up, and showed a soft pout with a calm expression. Though her outfit and style looked casual, the mood of her words felt heavy.

Fans aren’t sure if Min Ah was directing the message toward someone else or simply speaking to herself. The final line, “get it together,” sounds like a tough love reminder to herself—but also makes many wonder what she’s been going through recently.

People quickly filled the comment section with supportive messages, telling her to stay strong and reminding her she’s not alone.

Min Ah debuted with AOA in 2012 and left the group in 2019. In 2020, she made headlines when she revealed that she had been bullied during her time in the group. The confession caused a huge reaction in the K-pop world, leading to conversations about idols’ mental health and group dynamics.

Recently, she surprised fans when it was revealed she began working as a manager at a dermatology clinic, showing a new side of her life outside of the entertainment spotlight.

Fans continue to cheer her on, hoping she finds peace and happiness in whatever path she chooses next.

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